I used to have one but not anymore. I actually stopped using it because I have come to find that making them compose paragraph in their OWN words is much more reflective. You might one to use one as an example or guide, but I would suggest the student do it on their own.

do making the students write these types of paragraphs really help or do they just write what they think we adults want to hear? I always go back and forth with this form of consequences...I have been trying lately giving the students "chores" that deal with responsibility along with a paragraph or writing about why the chore is a responsibility to be taken seriously and tie it in some way with the negative choice they made (I do teach Grade 6 students though - so it might be too higher level with younger students)

I've used the paragraphs and essays, but one time I had a really aggressive and combative boy who was sent to ISS and I was at my wit's end. I sent him a short book on the life of Ghandi. His assignment was to read the book and summarize it, explaining why he thought these things had happened. When he came back to class a few days later, he said "Wow. That Ghandi was an amazing person. I can't believe people went after him like that. Why would they hate him so much?" Life was a little easier with him after that.

To be honest they dont give us what we wont to hear the go online and copy an essay off of line and put there name on it like one of my students did today they dont care as long they dont have to write it by hand but i told them to write it there essay not copy and paste it i just dont no what to do any more